Syria: Lavrov, Assad resignation "unrealistic"

Al-Qaeda third force of concern, says Russian FM

(ANSAmed) - Moscow, July 16 - Syrian President Bashar
al-Assad is unlikely to be persuaded to resign from power,
Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said.

"Some say that the key to the Syrian solution is to be found
in Moscow. We are told we must persuade Assad to step down
voluntarily, but this is unrealistic," he said.
The head of Moscow's diplomatic service also said he was
very worried that al Qaeda is growing to become a third force in
Syria. "We are very worried that, judging by numerous reports
from the country, the so-called third force represented by
al-Qaeda and other extremist organisations close to al-Qaeda has
become active in the country," he added. (ANSAmed).